The Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is a software or online solution for the data entry, data tracking, and data information needs of the Human Resources, payroll, management, and accounting functions within a business. It is useful for all processes that you want to track and from which you hope to gather data. Normally packaged as a database, hundreds of companies sell some form of HRIS and every HRIS has different capabilities.
Key Considerations as You Look at Your HRIS Options
The selection of an HRIS is a stressful situation as so many options exist. Picking the options that are best for your needs at your company is challenging. Wading through the information provided by each system is challenging, too. The sales people are often commissioned sales people who verbally may tell you that the system will meet your needs. Make sure you check this out with multiple sources including current customers, online discussion groups, LinkedIn, other SHRM members, and Google reviews.
These are other factors to consider as you select your HRIS.
· Remember that even if your company is only a few people today, it may have twice that many or even 10 times that many employees in the future, so pick a system that can grow with your business.
· Another key factor that you must consider is that many HRIS are able to accomplish only part of what you need automation to accomplish. In these cases, you will want to make certain that the components of any add-ons or additional systems work together flawlessly.
· Check also to see what kinds of training and ongoing support are available for your staff. You should also ensure that the sales consultant's promises about training and follow-up following the purchase are written right into your contract to purchase the HRIS.
Benefits of the Right HRIS
An effective HRIS provides information on just about anything the company needs to track and analyze about employees, former employees, and applicants. Your company will need to select a Human Resources Information System and customize it to meet your needs. If your company is on a growth path, choose a system that can grow with you. It's fairly inexpensive to implement a basic HRIS, but make sure whatever you implement meets your company's actual needs. Do you want to be able to run turnover reports? Post organizational charts? Allow managers to electronically access previous performance appraisals? Do you want everything to have to be done through the HR department or would you like managers to access the information themselves?
With an appropriate HRIS, Human Resources staff enable employees to do their own benefits updates and address changes, thus freeing HR staff for more strategic functions. Additionally, data necessary for employee management, knowledge development, career growth and development, and equal treatment is facilitated.
Finally, managers can access the information they need to legally, ethically, and effectively support the success of their reporting employees. They can run their own reports and enter plans into the system to help with succession. The Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is a software or online solution for the data entry, data tracking, and data information needs of the Human Resources, payroll, management, and accounting functions within a business. Normally packaged as a database, hundreds of companies sell some form of HRIS and every HRIS has different capabilities. Pick your HRIS carefully based on the capabilities you need in your company.